News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu summer 05 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 11/14/05   “CELEBRATION OF THE LIGHTS” TO ILLUMINATE SOUTHEASTERN NOV. 29         HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University is inviting the campus and community to share in its festival prelude to the holiday season when President Randy Moffett presides at a lighting of campus holiday decorations on Tuesday, Nov. 29.         Now in its third year, “Celebration of the Lights” is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Pottle Performance Circle. Community members, as well as faculty, staff and students, are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to Friendship Circle to enjoy the ceremony.         Moffett will flip a ceremonial switch to illuminate hundreds of lights trimming buildings, wreaths, and trees on more than 20 buildings throughout the Southeastern campus.         The Celebration of the Lights will also include music by the Community Music School Select Vocal Ensemble, a new choral group of junior high and high school students directed by Amy Prats, a member of the CMS faculty and choral director at Ponchatoula High School.        Refreshments will be available as well as candy for youngsters, distributed by Southeastern=s lion mascot Roomie, Lionettes and cheerleaders.        In 2003, Southeastern expanded a smaller traditional lighting ceremony at the War Memorial Student Union to encompass the entire campus. From Friendship Circle, the historical heart of campus, festive decorations have branched out each year to rim the campus perimeter with lights.         While the decorating adds to the area’s festive atmosphere, Moffett said it has a deeper meaning. Southeastern’s Celebration of Lights, he said, is also a symbol of the university’s commitment to “giving back” to the region the university serves.        “Southeastern has always been committed to service,” Moffett said. “We cultivate a philosophy of service in our students and many student organizations adopt the true meaning of the holiday season by sponsoring projects from food and clothing drives to hosting holiday parties for various agencies and organizations to helping local families in need.        “This year, as many of our own Southeastern family and our neighbors throughout southeast Louisiana cope with the aftermath of the hurricanes, our desire to reach out a helping hand is stronger than ever,” he said.        Moffett said “admission” for this year’s lighting festivities will be a donation to the Southeastern Hurricane Relief Funds, which were recently established by the Southeastern Development Foundation to provide financial support to members of the Southeastern family affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.        For additional information about the Celebration of the Lights, contact the Southeastern Public Information Office, 985-549-2341.